Tag Archives: Discipleship

Balance, Wisdom

Identity in Christ

Beloved, Christianity is not a task to complete, nor a weekly appointment to attend. It is a deep, transformative calling—one that defines who we are at the core. Yet, many of us struggle with treating our faith as a checklist, marking off church attendance and Bible studies as though they were routine obligations. How can we shift from doing Christianity to being followers of Christ? How do we embrace our identity in Christ without overcommitting and burning out?

Finding Your Identity in Christ

When Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come,” he is inviting us to recognize that our entire identity shifts when we belong to Christ. We are no longer defined by our accomplishments, failures, or earthly roles. Instead, we are children of God, created for His purpose. But how do we live this out daily?

  1. Shift from Doing to Being
    Our Christian walk must go beyond actions; it must reach into the depths of our heart and become who we are. This happens when we stop striving to do Christian things and instead allow the Spirit of God to transform our character. When prayer, worship, and service are born out of love for Christ, they cease to be tasks on a list and become expressions of our new identity in Him.
  2. Redefine Yourself Around Christ
    Embracing our identity in Christ means letting go of the labels the world places on us. As Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” You are a masterpiece designed by God, and He has prepared a unique path for you. By immersing yourself in His Word and seeking His purpose, you begin to live a life shaped by Christ, not by the expectations of the world or even the church.

Counting the Cost of Discipleship

While the Christian life is full of joy and peace, it is also one of surrender and sacrifice. Jesus said in Luke 14:28, “For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost?” This is a vital part of our walk with Christ. Serving Him is a privilege, but it requires us to balance our commitments, to ensure that we are following His will, not simply overcommitting out of obligation.

In our eagerness to serve, it is easy to take on too much. Church events, ministry roles, and community outreach all offer opportunities to glorify God. But if we are not careful, we risk burnout. We must count the cost of our commitments, ensuring that our energy and time are aligned with God’s purpose.

Working as Unto the Lord

Paul reminds us in Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” This verse shifts our perspective. Whether we are serving in the church or working at our jobs, our efforts are an offering to God. When we approach our work with this heart of devotion, we guard ourselves against the exhaustion that comes from trying to do too much. Instead, we focus on doing what God has called us to do, and doing it well.

But working as unto the Lord also means recognizing that we are finite. There are times when saying “no” is an act of obedience, allowing us to prioritize time with Christ and protect the sacred relationship He desires with us. A servant’s heart is not measured by how much we do, but by the faithfulness and love with which we do it.

Balancing Commitment and Rest

Beloved, rest is as much a part of our walk with Christ as service. Jesus Himself withdrew to solitary places to pray (Mark 1:35). He taught us not just the value of work but also the importance of retreating into the presence of God to be refreshed and renewed. When we overcommit, we leave little room for this sacred time with the Lord.

There was a season in my life when I said “yes” to every opportunity that arose in the church—leading Bible studies, organizing events, serving in every ministry I could. While I began with a joyful heart, over time, I became exhausted and disconnected from the very One I was trying to serve. I had taken on more than God had asked of me, and I was paying the price.

It was only when I slowed down and repented that I realized God wasn’t asking me to do more for Him; He was asking me to be with Him. He was calling me to a place of intimacy and surrender, where my service flowed out of a heart filled with His presence, not out of a sense of obligation. In counting the cost, I learned the importance of balancing work and rest, ensuring that my identity in Christ was not overshadowed by my busy schedule.

Calling Each Other Higher in Christ

The journey of redefining yourself around Christ is not one we walk alone. As members of the body of Christ, we are called to encourage one another, spurring each other on to greater love and good works (Hebrews 10:24-25). But this call must be done with wisdom, mindful that each of us has a unique path and pace.

In your family or church, you may find that not everyone is on board with this idea of finding their identity in Christ. Don’t be discouraged. Lead by example, living authentically in Christ and encouraging others to seek Him in their own time. Speak truth with love, but also allow the Spirit to work in their hearts. Just as Christ is patient with us, so too must we be patient with others.

When we call others higher, let us do so from a place of humility, remembering that Christ calls us to rest in Him and not burn ourselves out. Encourage your brothers and sisters to count the cost, to serve with purpose, and to prioritize intimacy with God over busyness.

Conclusion: Rest in Christ, Serve with Wisdom

To live out your identity in Christ means to count the cost of your discipleship. It means serving with joy and wisdom, working as unto the Lord while also prioritizing time in His presence. Avoid the trap of overcommitting and burning out, remembering that Christ’s yoke is easy, and His burden is light (Matthew 11:30). As you walk this path, you will discover that your life, far from being a series of tasks, is an ongoing expression of the love and purpose God has placed within you.

Let us call each other higher in Christ, but let us do so with hearts that have found rest in Him. For it is not in our doing that we find our identity, but in our being—being children of God, called according to His purpose, resting in His love, and walking in the fullness of who He has created us to be.

A Prayer for Finding Our Identity in Christ

Heavenly Father,
We come before You, knowing that our true identity is found in You. As Your Word says in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come.” Help us to live out this truth each day, not merely through what we do but in the fullness of who we are in You. We surrender our striving and ask for Your grace to lead us as we seek to walk as new creations.

Lord, we know that You have prepared good works for us to walk in (Ephesians 2:10), but we also recognize that You call us to rest in Your presence. Teach us to count the cost of discipleship, as Jesus warned us in Luke 14:28, so we do not overcommit or serve out of obligation. Give us the wisdom to balance our work with the peace and rest You provide, for we know that Your yoke is easy, and Your burden is light (Matthew 11:30).

Father, strengthen us to work as unto You and not for human approval, as Colossians 3:23 reminds us. Let everything we do flow from a heart that seeks to glorify You. Guide us to encourage and call others higher in their walk with Christ, always speaking truth in love and pointing them to the rest and strength that can only be found in You.

May we lay down our plans and surrender our schedules, trusting in Your leading. Anchor us in Your Word, and let Your Spirit guide our every step. Let our lives be a reflection of Your grace and a testimony of the transforming power of Christ. As we serve, may we always abide in the rest and peace that only You can provide.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

See Also

Priorities, Repent

Hearing the Voice of God: A Journey of Renewal

Introduction to A Journey of Renewal

22 minute read time

Beloved, as we embark on this journey, it is essential to focus on hearing the voice of God. This past weekend, I found myself searching for a series I was sure I had written a few weeks ago, hoping to consolidate it into a single article. After an exhaustive search through my notebook, I realized that God had inscribed it directly onto my heart instead of me writing it down. There are nights I spend wholly in conversation with God, where keeping pace with the divine insights can be overwhelming. Nevertheless, I’ve attempted to capture these revelations and document the spiritual journey of the past several months that has brought me closer to hearing the voice of God.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Chapter 0: Return (added 2024-07-26)

See one of these:

Chapter 1: Repent

In a world driven by reason and logic, the call to repentance emerges as a profound invitation to turn away from our sins and seek a deeper communion with God. Hearing the voice of God starts with repentance, which is not merely an emotional response; it is a spiritual transformation that requires us to silence the logical mind that often seeks to justify our actions and ignore the divine whisper of conviction.

Repentance begins with a heartfelt recognition of our sins, prompted by the Spirit within us. This is not an intellectual exercise, but a spiritual awakening to the realities that grieve the heart of God. As we identify these sins, it is essential to not only repent to God but also to seek forgiveness from those we have wronged, documenting each step as a commitment to change.

The Scriptures are replete with exhortations to choose life and blessing over death and curse. Joshua 24:15 challenges us to decide whom we will serve, highlighting the necessity of choosing God over the idols of our past. Similarly, Deuteronomy 30:19 emphasizes the stark choice between life and death, blessing and curse, urging us to choose life so that we and our descendants may live.

The New Testament further clarifies the concept of repentance. Acts 3:19 and Matthew 3:2 call for a profound change in our inner self—our way of thinking—and a return to God’s purpose for our lives. This transformation is so radical that it promises times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord, illustrating the restorative power of genuine repentance.

Second Chronicles 7:14 offers a conditional promise: if we humble ourselves, pray, seek God’s face, and turn from our wicked ways, God will hear from heaven, forgive our sins, and heal our land. This passage encapsulates the collective aspect of repentance that can lead to national and spiritual revival.

Prophet Joel’s words in Joel 2:12-13 and Isaiah’s call in Isaiah 55:6-7 urge us to seek the Lord with all our heart and abandon our wicked ways. The urgency of this call is echoed in the opportunity for divine mercy and pardon, emphasizing God’s readiness to forgive those who earnestly seek Him.

Finally, Revelation 3:19 and Mark 1:15 remind us that repentance is a dynamic and ongoing process. It is about more than just turning away from sin; it involves a deep, abiding trust in God and an enthusiastic pursuit of His will.

Ezekiel 18:30-32 sums up the call to repentance with a poignant reminder from God: He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but desires that we turn from our ways and live. This echoes God’s enduring invitation for each of us to create a new heart and a new spirit within ourselves.

Hearing the voice of God, therefore, is not a one-time act, but a lifelong journey of turning back to God, again and again, seeking to align our hearts with His. It invites us to tear down the barriers between us and God, and between us and others, restoring broken fellowship and embracing a life marked by His grace and truth.

DO:

  • Allow your faith to work in harmony with your reason: Set aside rationalizations and listen to the Holy Spirit. (Proverbs 3:5-6, Isaiah 55:8-9, James 1:5, 1 Thessalonians 5:21)
  • Ask the Holy Spirit to Identify Sin: Invite the Holy Spirit to reveal any sin in your life. You know your sins very well. Once He reminds you about it, you know it.
  • Repent to God: Confess and repent of the identified sin to God.
  • Seek Forgiveness from Others: If your sin involves others, write it down and seek their forgiveness.
  • Repeat: Make this a continuous process, regularly examining your heart and repenting as needed.

The human mind often seeks to rationalize or reject what God has clearly commanded, especially if your experience is anything like mine. It’s essential, then, not to let such doubts dissuade you. You are aware of your transgressions; it’s time to abandon them and repent.

Do not resist—surrender to God’s call. Resisting Him is futile and will only lead to ruin.

“Elijah came near to all the people and said, ‘How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.’ But the people did not answer him a word.” —1 Kings 18:21 (Amplified Version)

This scripture highlights the urgency of making a decisive choice about whom to serve. The moment for decision is now. Elijah’s appeal for repentance and commitment is timeless, piercing through the centuries to challenge us today. There can be no middle ground in our spiritual commitment. Elijah’s call is a reminder to reject half-heartedness, turn from our idols and distractions, and align ourselves fully with God’s divine will and purpose.

Breathe, don’t forget to breathe.

This journey of spiritual growth and transformation is a continuous one, unfolding moment by moment throughout each day. As someone deeply aware of my own flaws and sins, I recognize the constant need for God’s grace in my life. Sin is deeply ingrained in human nature, and I am no exception. Yet, the beauty of our walk with God is that He doesn’t leave us in our fallen state. Through His profound and unending love, God sanctifies us—He sets us apart for His holy purposes.

As we submit to His transformative work, the nature of our sins begins to change. Behaviors and desires that once dominated our lives start to lose their grip. This change is neither quick nor easy, but it is evident. Each day, as we allow God to work in us, we find that the sins we struggle with evolve. What once seemed insurmountable becomes less potent; our desires slowly align more with God’s desires.

This process of sanctification is nurtured through prayer, the reading of Scripture, and the fellowship with other believers. Each act of repentance and each moment spent in God’s presence furthers our transformation. We become more like Christ, not through our power but through the power of God’s relentless love washing over us and renewing our minds and hearts.

Chapter 2: Priorities

Aligning our priorities according to God’s will is a crucial aspect of a life transformed by faith and essential for hearing the voice of God. This alignment requires constant vigilance and prayer, for our hearts and minds can easily be led astray by the demands and distractions of daily life. It is often necessary to recalibrate our priorities daily, seeking God’s guidance to ensure they reflect His will and not our own desires.

1. Prioritizing God

The foundation of our priorities must begin with our relationship with God. Matthew 6:33 emphasizes seeking God’s kingdom and His righteousness above all else. This command is about centering our lives around God’s spiritual laws and the attributes of His character. Similarly, Matthew 22:37-38 reminds us of the greatest commandment: to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. This love is not passive; it is active and all-encompassing. Colossians 3:2 also directs us to focus our minds on the heavenly things rather than the earthly, encouraging a life oriented towards God’s eternal values rather than temporary earthly concerns.

2. Prioritizing Our Spouses

For those who are married, the Scriptures provide clear guidance on how to prioritize this sacred relationship. Ephesians 5:25-28 calls husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church—a love marked by sacrifice, sanctification, and selflessness. 1 Peter 3:7 complements this by advising husbands to treat their wives with understanding and honor, acknowledging them as partners in the grace of life. These directives foster a loving, respectful, and God-centered marriage.

3. Prioritizing Our Families

The family is the fundamental unit of society and the church, and as such, it must be a reflection of God’s love and discipline. Ephesians 6:4 instructs fathers not to provoke their children but to raise them in the Lord’s discipline and instruction, emphasizing a nurturing approach to parenting. Moreover, 1 Timothy 5:8 highlights the importance of providing for one’s family, equating failure to do so with a denial of faith.

4. Prioritizing Ministry

For those called to ministry, the work of the Lord should be pursued with diligence and devotion, as 1 Corinthians 15:58 suggests, encouraging steadfastness and a recognition that our labor in the Lord is impactful and eternal. Similarly, 2 Timothy 4:2 exhorts us to preach the word with urgency and patience, prepared to correct, warn, and encourage others in their faith journey.

5. Prioritizing Our Occupations

Our secular jobs are also areas where we can honor God. Colossians 3:23-24 instructs us to work heartily as for the Lord, not for human masters, reminding us that our ultimate reward comes from God. Ephesians 6:7 echoes this sentiment, urging us to serve with goodwill, as serving the Lord.

In conclusion, setting and maintaining correct priorities is a dynamic and ongoing process that requires constant prayer and reflection. By placing God first, followed by our spouses, families, ministries, and occupations, we ensure that our lives are aligned with God’s purposes and plans. This alignment not only brings peace and fulfillment but also positions us to be effective witnesses of God’s love and grace in a world that desperately needs it.

DO:

  • Pray and Align Your Priorities with God’s Will: Make sure your relationship with God is your top priority every day.
  • Set Aside Daily Time for Prayer and Reflection: Dedicate specific times each day for prayer and Scripture reading.
  • Love Your Spouse as Christ Loves the Church: Show selfless love and respect to your spouse.
  • Nurture and Discipline Your Children in the Lord: Raise your children with love and guidance based on God’s principles.
  • Serve Diligently in Ministry: Engage in your ministry work with devotion and enthusiasm.
  • Work Heartily as for the Lord: Approach your job with dedication, as if serving the Lord directly.
  • Continuously Reevaluate and Adjust Priorities: Regularly assess and adjust your priorities to ensure they align with God’s will.

Chapter 3: Purify Your Heart

As we progress on our spiritual journey, having repented of our sins and realigned our priorities, our next endeavor must be to purify our hearts. This purification is essential for deepening our relationship with God and for hearing the voice of God, as it involves removing any barriers that hinder our communion with Him.

1. Examine Your Heart

The process of purification begins with a heartfelt examination. We are called, like the Psalmist, to invite God to search our hearts: “Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts” (Psalm 139:23 AMP). This plea is an acknowledgment of our need for God’s scrutiny to uncover any hidden faults or unconfessed sins that may lead us astray. Use this List as a guide in the next step: What is Holding you Back?

2. Identify and Remove Idols

In today’s world, idolatry extends beyond the worship of physical idols; it includes anything that occupies the place in our hearts that belongs to God alone. This can be anything from material possessions, career, relationships, or even our comfort and security. The commandment is clear and uncompromising: “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3). Each believer must identify these personal idols and consciously remove them, reaffirming God’s supreme position in their lives.

3. Guard Your Heart

The wisdom of Proverbs teaches us to guard our hearts above all else, for “everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23). The heart is the wellspring of life, influencing our thoughts, actions, and interactions with others. Guarding our heart involves a vigilant monitoring of our thoughts and feelings, ensuring they align with God’s Word and His righteousness.

4. Renew Devotion to God

John the Apostle’s directive, “Little children, keep yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21), serves as a poignant reminder of the necessity to maintain a pure devotion to God. This involves an active and continuous effort to lay aside any distractions or encumbrances, akin to shedding unnecessary weight to run a race with endurance, as described in Hebrews 12:1–2.

5. Return to God Wholeheartedly

Joel’s call to return to God with all our heart underscores the nature of true repentance and renewal (Joel 2:13). It is a full turning back to God, embracing His mercy and forgiveness, which are readily available to those who seek Him earnestly. This return is not a mere emotional response but a transformative action that reestablishes God as the center of our lives.

DO:

  • Examine Your Heart Daily: Regularly ask God to search your heart and reveal any hidden sins (Psalm 139:23).
  • Identify and Remove Idols: Recognize anything that takes God’s place in your heart and remove it (Exodus 20:3).
  • Guard Your Heart Diligently: Monitor your thoughts and feelings to ensure they align with God’s Word (Proverbs 4:23).
  • Renew Your Devotion to God: Actively maintain a pure devotion to God, setting aside distractions (1 John 5:21).
  • Return to God Wholeheartedly: Embrace God’s mercy and forgiveness, fully turning back to Him (Joel 2:13).
  • Commit to Daily Heart Purification: Make heart purification a daily practice, striving for a deeper relationship with God.

Chapter 4: Thought Patterns

In our pursuit of a life that reflects the glory of God, renewing our minds is not merely beneficial—it is essential for hearing the voice of God. The transformation of our thought patterns is foundational to living out the reality of our new identity in Christ. As the Apostle Paul instructs, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2 AMP). This process enables us to discern and embody God’s will in every aspect of our lives.

1. Embrace New Ways of Thinking

To walk in newness of life, we must abandon our former ways of thinking, which are often shaped by worldly values and desires. Ephesians 4:23-24 encourages us to be made new in the attitude of our minds and to adopt the new self, designed after God in true righteousness and holiness. This renewal is not a one-time event but a continuous action of daily submitting our thoughts to God’s scrutiny and correction.

2. Guard Your Minds

Our minds are the primary battleground where spiritual wars are waged. As Paul explains in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, though we live in the world, our warfare is not waged with worldly tactics. Instead, our spiritual weapons have divine power to demolish strongholds, arguments, and every pretension that challenges God’s truth. We must vigilantly guard our thoughts, ensuring they align with the truth of the Scriptures and rejecting all that contradicts it.

3. Cultivate Godly Thoughts

Philippians 4:8 presents a clear template for the content of our thoughts: whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable—these are the things we should think about. By focusing our minds on these virtues, we shape our internal narrative, which in turn influences our emotions and behaviors. This practice of meditating on godly virtues helps integrate them into our daily lives, fostering a character that mirrors Christ.

4. Saturate Your Mind with the Word of God

The Word of God is our ultimate guide and authority, providing wisdom and insight for all of life’s challenges. Psalm 119:105 describes God’s Word as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, illuminating the way forward. Regular immersion in the Scriptures sharpens our ability to discern truth from falsehood, enabling us to make decisions that honor God. Hebrews 4:12 reminds us of the power of the Word to penetrate our deepest thoughts and motives, judging and refining them.

5. Be Proactive in Mind Training

Renewing the mind requires active and ongoing effort. Just as physical training yields long-term health benefits, so too does mental training in godliness produce spiritual maturity and wisdom. 1 Timothy 4:7 urges us to train ourselves to be godly, highlighting the discipline needed to maintain spiritual vitality. We must be proactive in filtering our thoughts through the truth of God’s Word, rejecting those that do not conform.

6. Commit to Holiness in Thought

As believers, our call to holiness extends to our thought lives. Each day, we face the challenge of casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). This commitment to holiness helps us resist temptation and live in a way that is pleasing to God.

By dedicating ourselves to the renewal of our minds, we align our thoughts with God’s will, enabling us to live out the fullness of life that Christ has promised. Let us continue this journey with diligence and faith, knowing that our efforts to maintain godly thought patterns will bear fruit in every area of our lives, glorifying God and drawing us closer to Him.

DO:

  • Embrace New Ways of Thinking: Abandon worldly thought patterns and adopt a renewed mind in Christ (Ephesians 4:23-24).
  • Guard Your Minds: Be vigilant in protecting your thoughts from negative influences (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).
  • Cultivate Godly Thoughts: Focus on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable (Philippians 4:8).
  • Saturate Your Mind with Scripture: Regularly immerse yourself in the Word of God to guide and correct your thoughts (Psalm 119:105).
  • Be Proactive in Mind Training: Actively train your mind to dwell on God’s truth and reject falsehoods (1 Timothy 4:7).
  • Commit to Holiness in Thought: Daily bring every thought into obedience to Christ and pursue holiness in your mind (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Chapter 5: Evangelism

Beloved, our journey of faith does not end with personal transformation; it extends outward, calling us to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others. Evangelism is an integral part of our spiritual walk, as we are commanded to spread the message of God’s love and salvation to a world in desperate need of His grace. Hearing the voice of God often involves recognizing His call to share His message with others. The Great Commission compels us to turn our everyday experiences into divine encounters, led by the Holy Spirit.

1. Transform Everyday Experiences

We

are called to let the Spirit guide, teach, and nurture us in our daily lives. This involves recognizing God’s blessings and allowing our prayers to transform into praises. As we walk in step with the Spirit, we become attuned to His promptings and opportunities to share His love with those we meet. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 28:19-20 (AMP), “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance], even to the end of the age.”

2. Recognize God’s Blessings

Recognizing God’s blessings in our lives is a powerful testimony to His goodness. When we turn our prayers into praises, we shift our focus from our needs to His provision, creating a natural segue to share His faithfulness with others. Psalm 96:2-3 (AMP) encourages us, “Sing to the Lord, bless His name; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples.”

3. Share God’s Love with Others

Evangelism is about sharing God’s love, which begins with our actions and is reinforced by our words. Our daily interactions provide countless opportunities to demonstrate Christ’s love. As Jesus said in John 13:34-35 (AMP), “I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too are to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you have love and unselfish concern for one another.” This love is the hallmark of our discipleship and the foundation of our witness.

4. Speak of God’s Grace and Love

We are called to boldly proclaim God’s grace and love, speaking the truth in love and with wisdom. Colossians 4:5-6 (AMP) instructs us, “Conduct yourself with wisdom in your interactions with outsiders (non-believers), make the most of each opportunity [treating it as something precious]. Let your speech at all times be gracious and pleasant, seasoned with salt, so that you will know how to answer each one [who questions you].” It is through our gracious and wise interactions that we can effectively communicate the gospel.

5. Empowered by the Holy Spirit

The power to evangelize comes from the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised this empowerment in Acts 1:8 (AMP), “But you will receive power and ability when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be My witnesses [to tell people about Me] both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth.” Relying on the Spirit ensures that our efforts are not in vain and that we are equipped to handle every situation with divine wisdom and strength.

6. Reaching the Lost

The heart of evangelism is a deep desire to reach the lost with the message of salvation. 2 Corinthians 5:20 (AMP) declares, “So we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us; we [as Christ’s representatives] plead with you on behalf of Christ to be reconciled to God.” As ambassadors, we carry the message of reconciliation, urging others to come into a saving relationship with Jesus.

7. The Importance of Evangelism

Evangelism is not merely an option but a command and a privilege. Romans 10:14-15 (AMP) states, “But how will people call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how will they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher (messenger)? And how will they preach unless they are commissioned and sent [for that purpose]? Just as it is written and forever remains written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!’” Our role in spreading the gospel is essential, as it is through our witness that others may hear and believe.

DO:

  • Transform Everyday Experiences: Allow the Holy Spirit to guide your daily interactions and recognize opportunities to share God’s love (Matthew 28:19-20).
  • Recognize and Share God’s Blessings: Turn your prayers into praises, sharing testimonies of God’s faithfulness with others (Psalm 96:2-3).
  • Share God’s Love with Actions and Words: Demonstrate Christ’s love through your behavior and conversations (John 13:34-35).
  • Speak of God’s Grace and Love: Boldly and wisely share the message of God’s grace and love (Colossians 4:5-6).
  • Rely on the Holy Spirit for Empowerment: Depend on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance in evangelism (Acts 1:8).
  • Be an Ambassador for Christ: Actively reach out to those who do not know Jesus, sharing the message of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:20).

As we commit to evangelism, let us be diligent and faithful, knowing that every effort to share the gospel is significant. May our lives be a testimony to God’s transformative power, drawing others closer to Him by hearing the voice of God.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, grant us the strength and clarity to hear Your voice in all aspects of our lives. Help us to repent sincerely, align our priorities with Your will, purify our hearts, renew our minds, and boldly share Your love with others. Empower us with Your Holy Spirit to be effective witnesses of Your grace and truth. May we live in a way that reflects Your glory and draws others into a saving relationship with You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

See Also:

Prayers

Prayer: Local Church Leaders

<breathe in the presence of God>

Heavenly Father,

We come before You to intercede for local church leadership, their congregations, and their families. As they strive for deeper intimacy with You, we hold onto Your promise in James 4:8, trusting that as they draw near to You, You will draw near to them. Infuse them with a zeal for holiness, echoing Your call in 1 Peter 1:16 to be holy as You are holy.

Empower them to extend their influence beyond the church walls, embracing Your Great Commission in Matthew 28:19 to make disciples of all nations. May they move forward with the assurance of Your constant presence, knowing You are with them to the end of the age. Grant them the strength and courage to share the hope and grace of the gospel everywhere, uplifting and transforming lives through Your Word.

<breathe out the presence of God over all the leaders members and families>

Grant them all—leaders, members, and their families—faith to trust in Your unfailing presence and promises. Let them find solace and strength in Your assurance that You will never leave nor forsake them, and may Your peace that surpasses all understanding guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Fortify them to fulfill Your divine purposes with perseverance, joy, and peace, always mindful of Your faithful promise of support and guidance.

Unite them as one body with many parts, each with unique gifts and roles, working together in harmony for the growth of Your kingdom, as described in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. Help them to recognize their dependence on one another and to support each other with love and humility. Foster unity not only within their congregations but also with other churches and their leadership, reflecting the unity of the Body of Christ.

Guide their families to love and lead in a manner that reflects Christ, fostering nurturing homes grounded in Your love and mutual respect. Help them to raise their children in Your ways, instilling in them faith and godliness. Extend Your grace to their congregations, empowering them to be beacons of Your truth, making disciples and drawing souls closer to You.

Refresh the spirits of those in ministry each day, enabling them to serve You with renewed vigor and heartfelt gratitude. May their homes be havens of Your presence, filled with peace and unity, reflecting Your grace in every aspect.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Prayers

Orphans

With the authority given to us through Jesus Christ, we boldly ask that You bring those who are spiritually lost and seeking home to us, the Church. We stand firm in Your promise that You desire all to come to repentance and know the truth. As Your children and ambassadors of Your Kingdom, we declare that these spiritual orphans will be drawn to us, the body of Christ, where they will find love, acceptance, and the truth of Your Word. 

Your Word says, “Jesus came up and said to them, ‘All authority [all power of absolute rule] in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age’” (Matthew 28:18-20 AMP). 

Lord, we ask that You open their eyes and hearts to see the light of Your Gospel. Break down every barrier and remove every hindrance that stands in the way of their coming to You. Fill us, Your Church, with deep compassion and readiness to welcome them with open arms, reflecting Your grace and mercy. 

As You have promised, “Listen carefully: I have given you authority [that you now possess] to tread on serpents and scorpions, and [the ability to exercise authority] over all the power of the enemy (Satan); and nothing will [in any way] harm you” (Luke 10:19 AMP). Empower us by Your Holy Spirit to be bold in our witness and faithful in our love. Let our lives be a testimony of Your transforming power, drawing many to Your saving grace. 

Your Word declares, “But you will receive power and ability when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be My witnesses [to tell people about Me] both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8 AMP). May our churches be places of refuge, healing, and new beginnings for all who come seeking You. 

We trust in Your mighty power to bring the lost home, and we give You all the glory and praise for the work You are doing and will do. As ambassadors for Christ, “as though God were making His appeal through us; we [as Christ’s representatives] plead with you on behalf of Christ to be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20 AMP). 

In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.